CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-6700K vs Intel Core i7-6800K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-6700K is an enthusiast-grade quad-core desktop processor that became the definitive gaming CPU of its generation. Released as the flagship of the 6th Gen Skylake lineup, it introduced the new LGA 1151 socket and DDR4 memory support to the mainstream market. Operating at a high base clock of 4.0 GHz and boosting up to 4.2 GHz, it delivered exceptional single-threaded performance, dominating benchmarks at the time. With four cores and eight threads, it provided the multi-tasking headroom necessary for concurrent gaming and streaming. The unlocked multiplier made it a favorite among overclockers, capable of easily reaching 4.6 GHz or higher with adequate cooling. Its 91-watt TDP reflects its focus on raw performance. Paired with the Z170 chipset, the 6700K offered cutting-edge features like NVMe storage and advanced PCIe lane allocation, cementing its legacy as a highly capable, overclocking-friendly processor that pushed the limits of 14nm technology.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Good for general tasks, but 4 cores struggle with heavy rendering.
Six cores and 12 threads provide solid throughput in multi-threaded creator applications.
Gaming
Still handles 60fps gaming well, but quad-core limitations show in modern CPU-heavy titles.
Plays modern games well when paired with a strong GPU, though frame rates lag behind newer high-frequency CPUs.
Virtualization
Okay for light VMs, but limited by core count.
Quad-channel memory and PCIe lanes suit lab environments with multiple VMs and storage.
Efficiency
91W TDP is manageable, but power draw increases significantly when overclocked.
140 W TDP and 14 nm place it behind newer platforms in performance per watt.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow due to core count
- No dedicated NPUs or matrix accelerators
- Suitable for CPU-bound inference workloads only
- AVX2 support helps in some compute-heavy tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can handle 60fps gaming with a mid-range GPU
- Struggles with high-refresh-rate modern titles
- Excellent for retro and esports gaming
- Handles high-refresh gaming with a capable GPU
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 can aid lightly threaded titles
- Modern CPUs typically deliver higher gaming efficiency
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked for overclocking
- High 4.0 GHz base clock
- Supports DDR4 memory
- Strong single-core performance
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Runs hot when overclocked
- Uses thermal paste under IHS
- Older 14nm process
Pros
- Six cores and 12 threads remain viable for productivity
- Quad-channel DDR4 provides strong memory bandwidth
- 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes enable multi-GPU and NVMe flexibility
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking enthusiasts
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 improves lightly threaded performance
Cons
- 140 W TDP is high by modern standards
- No integrated graphics requires a discrete GPU
- X99 platform is legacy with limited future CPU options
- PCIe lane count lower than 40-lane Broadwell-E SKUs
- Launch price higher than newer, more efficient options
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-6700K
- AMD FX-8370Rival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD FX-9590Rival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-6600KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Intel Core i7-7700KAlt
Successor with slightly better clocks and IPC.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Vastly superior modern alternative for budget builds.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
More cores, better modern value.
Cheaper, 6 cores, better performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Legacy alternative with much better multi-threading.
Intel Core i7-6800K
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Creator
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6700KRival
Mainstream Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-5820KRival
Previous-Gen HEDT
More cores and higher PCIe lane count on the newer X299 platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XAlt
Much higher single-thread performance and efficiency on AM4.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
12 cores and 24 threads with strong performance per watt.
Modern DDR5 platform with more cores and features for new builds.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7950XAlt
Cutting-edge multi-threaded performance and PCIe 5.0 support.
Our Verdict on Each
An iconic processor that brought DDR4 to the mainstream, offering incredible overclocking headroom and gaming performance that still holds up for basic use.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1151 system for budget 1080p gaming.
Read the full reviewA capable entry point into X99 HEDT with solid multi-threading and PCIe headroom, now best suited to budget used builds or specialized workloads rather than new gaming rigs.
Best for: Budget-conscious used HEDT build for multi-threaded workloads
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-6700K or Intel Core i7-6800K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-6700K comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-6700K or Intel Core i7-6800K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6800K leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i7-6700K and Intel Core i7-6800K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-6700K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-6700K (91 W), Intel Core i7-6800K (140 W).
Do Intel Core i7-6700K and Intel Core i7-6800K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6700K: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i7-6800K: LGA2011-v3), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-6800K has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-6700K (4 cores), Intel Core i7-6800K (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-6700K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6700K (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.